At least 36 people have died after a ferry carrying 173 passengers capsized around 12 pm local time, soon after leaving the port of Ormoc City, according the Philippine Coast Guard.
118 people on board the Kim Nirvana-B ferry at the time of the capsizing have either been saved or swam ashore, with 19 still missing, according to the PCG.
The ferry sank some 200 meters from the Ormoc Port. The search is underway for the missing passengers and crew.
The 27-meter ferry was bound for the town of Pilar on the Camotes Island when it capsized, reportedly due to strong winds.
The survivors were taken to local hospitals in Ormoc City.
The Kim Nirvana-B is a so-called ”banka”, a pump-boat shaped as a large canoe with outriggers for stability.
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World Maritime News Staff